Cycling the Bay Area & Stories from the Garden

Marching into a world of color…

I must say that I am a huge fan of the unseasonably warm and dry weather which we have been blessed with here in the San Francisco Bay Area this year. In our usual weather pattern, rain and cold winds would be our seasonal norm right about now.

Over the last work week – no jackets were needed, in fact a t-shirt was all that was needed most of the days. I know that Global Warming is a bad thing, which in the long run will need to be addressed and remedied; however, in the short-term, I am going to enjoy the consequences!

The Viola’s I recently picked-up to add a splash of ‘pop‘ to the then garden’s muted canvas of subtle greens have paid off richly and colorfully. I think you will agree – a definitely winner on return for investment – 3 six-pack’s of Viola’s and 1 six-pack of Pansy’s cost a grand total of $10.68 and provide more color than I could have hoped for if I spent 10-times the price!

Adding color (yes, White is a color!)

Not waiting for Spring

The primrose continue their wonderful early spring display and it looks like the neighboring snapdragon will be joining the color parade quite soon! Last season’s snapdragon’s were magnificent and were one of the determining factors in me re-thinking my patio garden’s direction. My garden continues moving away from a vegetable and herb based garden and toward my new vision of a flowering retreat that I can step into and escape the everyday concerns of life, work, and the world.

Primrose a brilliant flash of blue & yellow

pink and white primrose contrast nicely with the blue

Snapdragon ready to pop!

Many of last years color are starting their comeback as well, the snowstorm, giant snowflake, which have been in bloom year round are now joined by tiny violet/purple daisies (top picture in this post). Also springing back is a flowering plant that puts out the most vivid, tiny blue flowers, unfortunately, I discarded the ID tag when I moved them last year and no longer remember what they are!

I don't remember what these are?

Now in bloom are these little violet daisies

Snowstorm, giant snowflake

a trio of snowflakes grace the garden

Finally, I leave you today with some shots of a newly and a couple of unknown garden additions – both of which have made their way into my patio garden thanks to a couple of my generous and thoughtful friends.

Flowering Ginger - thank you Michele!

Some unknown bulbs - thank you Susan!

I hope that everyone is having a wonderful weekend and that your garden’s as bountiful as they are beautiful!